Commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting licenses are available at the Town Office or by mail with a completed application and applicable fees.
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Recreational harvesters may dig up to one peck of shellfish per day. One peck is approximately half of a five gallon bucket.
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Clams must be at least 2" long.
Hen clams must be at least 4" long.
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Recreational licenses allow harvesting for personal use only. It is illegal to sell shellfish unless you have the appropriate commercial licenses.
Commercial shellfish harvesters are required to have a valid State of Maine Commercial Shellfish License and a Town of Deer Isle Commercial Shellfish License.
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Residents of Deer Isle must produce two proofs of residence to purchase a commercial license.
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Non-resident licenses are available by lottery on May 1st of each year or the next business day after May 1st. The number of non-resident commercial licenses available is adjusted annually by the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
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Licenses, both commercial and recreational are valid from June 1st to May 31st each year.
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To read the entire Town of Deer Isle Shellfish Conservation Ordinance, click on the link below.
2024-2025 Shellfish Harvesting License Fees
Commercial Resident
Commercial Non-Resident
Commercial Resident Jr.
Commercial Non-Resident Jr.
Commercial Resident Senior (>65)
Commercial Non-Resident Senior
Recreational Resident
Recreational Non-Resident
Recreational Senior (>65 years) Non-resident Senior (> 65 years)
3 Day Non-resident Recreation
$500
$750
$100
$200
$100
$200
$ 25
$ 50
FREE
FREE
$20
No license is required for youths 12 years
of age or younger.
Deer Isle Shellfish Warden
Raylene Pert
207-266-4327